Walking Tour The Old Bazaar, Cfake, Dunavat, Ali Pasha Bridge”

Discovering Gjirokaster’s Hidden Corners: A Walk Through Its Lesser-Known Neighborhoods

If you’re planning a trip to Gjirokaster, Albania, and want to see beyond the typical sights, this walking tour offers a fascinating peek into parts of the town most visitors miss. While many focus on the castle or main attractions, this experience takes you into the heart of old neighborhoods, revealing the authentic feel of the town’s everyday life and architecture. It’s a perfect choice if you’re after a relaxed, historical walk with local insights.

What we particularly like about this tour is how it promises to show you unknown areas of Gjirokaster, along with stories about ancient houses and local landmarks. Plus, the guides seem to really bring the place to life, sharing in-depth knowledge with warmth and humor. The price is also quite reasonable for a three-hour experience, especially considering the detailed storytelling involved.

However, a consideration is that the terrain can be uneven and not especially comfortable — so good footwear is a must. This isn’t a tour for those with mobility issues or anyone expecting a perfectly smooth path. Still, for travelers who love exploring on foot and enjoying authentic environments, this tour fits the bill.

This experience suits travelers looking for a deeper, more personal look at Gjirokaster’s history and architecture, especially those who appreciate stories from local guides or enjoy wandering through ancient neighborhoods.

Key Points

• Authentic Local Experience: Explore neighborhoods often skipped by travelers, gaining insight into everyday life.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Guides are praised for their expertise, humor, and local knowledge, making the walk engaging.
• Historical and Architectural Highlights: From old houses to monuments, you’ll see elements that tell the story of Gjirokaster’s past.
• Accessible Price Point: At approximately $17.80, the tour offers good value for a 3-hour guided walk.
• Uneven Terrain: Be prepared for walking on cobblestone and other not-so-comfortable surfaces.
• Short, Focused Duration: The three-hour itinerary is perfect for fitting into a packed travel schedule or as a leisurely afternoon activity.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point: Cerciz Topulli Square

The tour kicks off right in the heart of Gjirokaster at Cerciz Topulli Square, a lively hub that gives you a sense of the town’s vibe. From here, the guides lead you toward The Old Bazaar — a place that’s more than just a market, but a neighborhood full of history and character. Although it’s called a bazaar, it’s now more of a historic street lined with old houses, cobblestone streets, and a sense of stepping back in time.

Exploring The Old Bazaar Neighborhood

Once beneath the castle walls, you’ll walk through the characteristic cobblestone streets, which immediately transport you into Gjirokaster’s past. The oldest houses in this area are real gems, showcasing traditional architecture and the kind of craftsmanship that’s hard to find elsewhere. Guides often point out the details that make each house unique, and reviews praise their ability to bring stories and context into these historic sites.

Some travelers mention passing by an Orthodox church, adding a touch of spiritual history to the neighborhood. The overall atmosphere here is one of quiet charm, with the feeling of walking through a living museum.

Passing the Nanxa Stream

After wandering through the bazaar area, the tour moves past the Nanxa stream — a small but scenic waterway. Travelers should note that this part involves walking along a street under construction, which might be a little uneven or noisy. Still, it’s part of the charm, showing the ongoing life of the neighborhood.

The Neighborhood of Cfaka

Next, you’ll reach the historic neighborhood of Cfaka, which is notable for some of its first monument category houses. These buildings are preserved relics of Gjirokaster’s architectural past, giving insight into the local lifestyle many years ago. Here, the guides highlight the significance of these homes, offering background stories that make the sights more meaningful.

In this area, you’ll also encounter a rebuilt mosque—a reminder of the town’s diverse cultural influences. Many reviewers mention the guides’ storytelling skills, especially when describing the history behind these structures, making the experience both educational and engaging.

Dunavat and the Bektashi Tekke

The journey continues into Dunavat, a neighborhood that combines nature and old architecture beautifully. Here, you’ll find a Bektashi tekke — a spiritual lodge of the Bektashi Order. This site adds a spiritual dimension, and some travelers mention that the guide’s explanations helped them understand its significance.

This part of the tour has a peaceful, almost meditative atmosphere, with lush greenery contrasting the historic stone buildings.

The Ali Pasha Bridge: A 200-Year-Old Aqueduct

Your walk culminates at the Ali Pasha Bridge, a remarkable relic from over two centuries ago. Built as part of an aqueduct to supply water to the castle, this bridge is a striking example of old engineering. The views of the surrounding landscape are often praised, and the bridge itself is a favorite photo spot.

Many reviewers note that the guide’s stories about the bridge’s history make it come alive — turning a simple structure into a symbol of the town’s past ingenuity.

Practical Considerations and Tips

The entire walk lasts around three hours, which is just enough time to see multiple neighborhoods and hear interesting stories without feeling rushed. Since the terrain can be uneven, comfortable shoes are essential. Sneakers or sturdy walking shoes will make the experience more enjoyable, especially as you’ll be on cobblestones and possibly uneven paths.

The tour is organized with a mobile ticket, and the meeting point is at the Experience Gjirokastra office on Gjin Zenebisi street. Starting at 9:30 am, it fits nicely into a morning schedule, leaving the rest of the day free for more exploring.

The Value and Reviews

At $17.80 per person, many travelers find this tour offers great value. The reviews consistently highlight how guides like Arli, Viki, Marco, and Mario make the experience special. Comments such as “it felt like walking around town with friends” and “the history, architecture, and scenery are stunning” emphasize the personal touch that guides bring.

Several reviews mention that guides are knowledgeable and engaging, providing a vivid picture of Gjirokaster’s past through lively storytelling. The fact that Viki, who is from the town, tailors the experience and shares personal insights adds authenticity to the tour.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who want to go beyond the standard tourist spots and explore Gjirokaster’s hidden neighborhoods. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy history, architecture, and authentic local environments. Because the terrain can be uneven, it’s better suited for those who are comfortable walking on cobblestones or are able to handle some minor discomfort.

This isn’t a tour for anyone expecting a smooth or wheelchair-accessible route but is ideal for curious travelers eager to see the real Gjirokaster through local eyes.

The Sum Up: Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re someone who loves authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences, this tour offers a wonderful way to understand Gjirokaster better. The guides’ enthusiasm and local insights turn a simple walk into a storytelling adventure that makes history feel alive. The neighborhoods visited are full of character, with some stunning architecture and serene spots like the Bektashi tekke and Ali Pasha Bridge.

While the terrain may be a little tricky, the overall experience provides real value for those interested in architecture, history, and local culture. It’s a great fit if you’re traveling on a budget or want a flexible, informative way to see parts of Gjirokaster the guides love to share. Just lace up your sneakers and prepare to step back in time with a friendly guide by your side.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
Due to uneven terrain and cobblestone streets, it may not be the best fit for those with mobility challenges. Good footwear and a reasonable level of mobility are recommended.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 3 hours, giving plenty of time to explore without feeling rushed.

What is the meeting point?
The tour starts at Experience Gjirokastra on Gjin Zenebisi street.

What time does the tour start?
It begins at 9:30 am, perfect for morning explorers.

Is the tour family-friendly?
While the tour is generally suitable for most travelers, the uneven terrain might make it less ideal for very young children or those sensitive to walking on cobblestone paths.

How much does the tour cost?
It’s about $17.80 per person, which is quite reasonable considering the guide’s knowledge and the three-hour duration.

Are tips included?
No, gratuities are not included, so feel free to reward your guide if you enjoyed the experience.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are a must. Bring water and be prepared for some uneven ground.

What’s the best part of this tour?
Many agree it’s the guide’s storytelling and the hidden neighborhoods that really bring Gjirokaster to life.

This walking tour offers a heartfelt, intimate look at Gjirokaster’s lesser-known areas. It’s perfect for travelers who value storytelling, local insight, and authentic environments. If you’re ready to see beyond the main sights and walk through history, this experience could be just what you’re looking for.